I'm Theresa, and I've been sewing since 1998. I have become pretty obsessed with sewing since 2019, when I discovered sewing podcasts, sewing RU-vid and sewing Instagram. I stopped buying any 'ready to wear' clothes at that time and have begun sewing a completely handmade wardrobe.
I absolutely love the sewing community and RU-vid is a big part of that. Welcome to my channel, where you'll find videos about all things sewing. I aim for one video per week, and on this channel you will hear me chat about sewing plans, what I've made, tutorials, sewing tips and pattern reviews. I have also created the 'Clash of the Patterns' series, where I compare different sewing patterns for the same garment.
Thanks for checking it out, and please subscribe if you want to see more!
I just found you tonight. I know nothing about your background but you saw were retail clothing stores that have been around for at least a century..I am a but confused! Sorry
Question. After shirring my bobbin casing would not tighten for regular thread to finish top. Did I stretch it out with elastic thread and need to get another one ?
My favourite shorts are Pietra shorts…..I usually just do a half tuck with my top so it covers the ‘diaper butt’ 😂 have made trousers too…..in denim, they are a nice shape but get what you say about the elasticated waist at the back, that’s why I just half/french tuck my top to cover it. One tip, mark the fabric right side (I once made two left legs 😂 easily done in a plain fabric!)
I usually am not inspired to sew for summer at all - I love cozy fabrics and patterns. However, my company is sending me to London at the end of July and I've decided to bring an all (or mostly) handmade wardrobe. It's been very motivating and I'm loving it at the moment. I have the same feelings about the pietras so I'll be interested to hear your thoughts. Also, if you have any recommendations for fabric shopping (or other fun recommendations) while I'm there, I'd love to have them! I live in Chicago now so I know you'll have a good sense of where I'm coming from!
Oh wow, how exciting! There's nothing like a trip as a great motivator to get some sewing done. It's always worth looking around to see if there are any interesting exhibitions on at any of the art galleries or the Fashion and Textile museum. Most of my fabric comes from Sew Me Sunshine, in Chiswick, London. They are an online shop, but the owner is very happy for people to visit if they organize it in advance. It's worth sending Harriet an email or message on Instagram. I've heard good things about Fabrics Galore, but I haven't actually been there. There are a ton of shops near the Goldhawk Road tube station, but they're definitely a mix of higher and lower quality fabrics. The shops are piled high with fabric, and I can find them a bit overwhelming. You can get some gems there, though. I hope you have a great time and get a chance to relax during your trip!
I've never tried to buy Merchant in Mills Fabrics in the US, but looking at websites in the currency conversion rate, it definitely is a higher price in the US. You'd be paying $28 a yard for the same fabric that would cost $25 per meter in the UK (meters being slightly longer than a yard). I've only looked at one website and one of the fabrics, but I think it gives you some idea.
Also wanted to add - I have made 4 pairs of pietra pants (both views). I love them from the front but really hate them from the back. Having said that, I have never used a “drapey” fabric - always a linen or cotton, so that would play a role.
That's so funny that you've made four pairs but hate the back. 🤣 I assumed that you're a big fan of the pattern, having made so many! Did you have to size down at all? A lot of people said that they had to size down multiple sizes.
@@LostMyThread hahaha I know, I am a weirdo! 😂 I saw lots of those size down comments and was surprised. I tried sizing down by one once and couldn’t get them over my hips. My last pair I graded between sizes at hips and waist - waist was one size smaller than hips. It’s not an easy pattern to grade because of all the pieces coming together (including the pocket piece) in the side seam from memory. It took a fair amount of effort!
Hi Theresa! I have made the March top and my biggest frustration is that I don’t like the look when it opens up, you can see the back of the lining, even though there’s a facing. I just thought it was weird that it wasn’t designed to have it open to another “right side” of the fabric, if that makes sense. I thought I’d misunderstood the instructions (and people commented on my channel saying I had sewn it wrong 🤪) so I reached out to Helen about it. Here is what she said: Hi! The facing on March is designed to sit on the outside of the garment, like an exterior facing. This makes for some interesting seam lines on the front and back bodice and a great place for a statement fabric or embellishment. When the top ‘V’ falls open, it does reveal the wrong side of the fabric, so for prints like this floral that Flav used, it shows a whiter side here. If you want, you can sew the facing on the inside of the top instead, like a classic facing. If you are not using the center front/back panel for embellishment, you wouldn’t be losing anything in the design. I hope that helps clarify things! It sounds like you sewed it correctly 🙂 Hope that’s helpful! Her instructions are the best so I was baffled, wondering how I could have got it wrong. I didn’t. 😉
Okay, you might need to talk me through this a bit more... I'm with you and assumed that the inside of the facing that flaps open would be the 'right side' of the fabric. Her saying that the facing is designed to sit on the outside like an exterior facing makes no sense to me. I don't understand what that means. What is an exterior facing? Maybe it will make more sense when I look at the pattern pieces and the instructions? Could you not just sew it the other way around, to have the right side of the fabric on the inside of the facing? I'm so confused! 😂
@@LostMyThread lol I didn’t really understand her description either except to say that if you follow the instructions you see the wrong side of the fabric if the v-neck opens out. So if you don’t want that, you need to do something differently… it might not matter so much with your fabric, but mine was a dark blue fabric with a floral print but the wrong side was white, so I really don’t like the way that looks.
I've been getting that feedback a lot, thank you! I was definitely going to make a muslin of this one, and now I'm wondering if I might end up making more than one. 😉
Hi Teresa, I have just completed my second pair of Dorian shorts from Seamworks in linen. They have the same slanted pockets as the Pietra pants. They also have a flat front and back waist with elastic inserted at the sides. I am so pleased with the fit that I'm thinking of extending the legs to full trouser length. Thank you for a lovely video.
Hello! New to your channel! You made some great items! 😍 curious if you made the shirt you’re wearing in the video and if you mind sharing the pattern? Thanks!
Happy to have you along! I usually share what I'm wearing in the description box. Not sure how I missed it! This is the Lemont Top by Itch to Stitch in a floral cotton dobby fabric from Sew Me Sunshine.
the papercut patterns palisade pants/shorts are similar to the pietras but the elastic goes about 3/4 of the way around so it's just flat at CF, and in my opinion does a better job of distributing the extra fullness and preventing diaper butt. it also has similar pocket construction but they are even more interesting and unique in my opinion. just in case you were looking for another option. i've only sewn the shorts but have always wanted to make the pants too. the elizabeth susann clyde work pants are similar too with elastic all the way around.
Oh stop it, Sarah... Now you're making me feel like I need to do a clash of the patterns. 😅 I have eyed the Clyde pants forever. I totally agree that the pockets on the Palisade Pants are so much fun. What would I call that style of pant or short? Elastic waist/comfort is a key feature, but the fact that they are a little more dressy and smart with fun pockets is definitely a common thread, as well. 🤔 I need to sit on this.
I have made a toile of the Pietra shorts and have plans for a linen viscose version soon. The fit was really good right off the bat. But yes those gathers at the back are a little too defined depending on the fabric you choose. My wish is that Closet Core comes out with an extension pack which does not have the gathered back. That would be amazing! Also, they a a fun make. 🪡 🧵
I have had the Estuary skirt pattern for ages but I still haven't got around to sewing it up. I should really get on that. I love the look of the Elisabeth blouse and I think your March dress is going to be fantastic! Given that it's the middle of Winter here, I haven't been doing much garment sewing. It's not a rule or anything, but all the things I really want to make right now are cute summery blouses and dresses and I feel like there's no point making them if I can't immediately wear them. Also I am currently deep in my Quilting Era, which is at least weather appropriate! I will say I am having very detailed fantasies about someday making a quilt coat with fabric I have quilted in fancy patterns on my longarm. Imagine! Can't wait to see your projects come together.💙
Winter is such a great time for quilting. I don't blame you at all. I also really love sewing summery things, hence this video! 😉 Oh my goodness, long-arming a quilted jacket... that is next level amazing. You absolutely need to do this!
Love the fabrics. I’m also a lover of that particular shade you like. I’ve most often seen it described as Honey. At the moment I need to continue to lose weight. I’ve lost 10kg and have another 10kg to go. I think at the moment over-sized fabrics really don’t do me any favours.
You’ve got some really pretty fabrics to sew with there! I have the Bob Pants pattern by Style Arc and I’ve never made them up because I’m concerned about the balloon look round bum and legs… But someone recommended to me the Classic Pants and Shorts by The Sewing Revival, a NZ designer, for linen and summer weight fabrics, like chambray. If you hate the baggy bum look with back elastication, give the Classics a try, I have made pants and shorts and I think they are so flattering on! I just lengthened the back rise by 0.5” which is normal for me, and I lengthened the leg length as well. End of. Do take a look, I am very impressed!
Love all these plans. I found the Pietras quite pouffy at the back and following advice online (can’t remember who) I took an inch wedge out of the top of the back seam to reduce the amount of gathering. They are also quite low in the crotch (and I have a rounded bum and bell) so I raised that to give less of a “rapper” feel. It’s really worth making a toile with these. Looking forward to seeing them.
Oh, it sounds like the fit is all over the place! I was definitely going to make a muslin. I'll see if I can remove any bulk from the back, but I have a pretty big waste to hip difference, so we will see...
You have voiced my exact hesitation with the Pietra pants, but I cannot wait to see how yours turn out, and this might be the push I need to finally give that pattern a try. Looking forward to all your lovely makes!
Love all these patterns and fabrics and can't wait to see them made up. I would be curious to hear about your experience sewing with the crinkle viscose. I just finished a dress in fabric like that and although I like the final result I found it quite challenging, so would be eager to see your tips.
Eek, you're not making me feel overly excited about it! 😂 Kidding. I'm sure it will be fine. I could definitely foresee some challenges, but I'm hoping that it won't be too awkward.
I am especially curious about the Elizabeth blouse. this is a new company so, although I love the look of this blouse, I am cautious about instructions and fit. Thanks for being the scout!
My biggest concern with that is that I still need to be getting it on and off over my hips. There needs to be some wiggle room somewhere... I'll play around after my first muslin. Thank you for the suggestion!
When I make elasticated pants, I still put in pleats to reduce bulk/gathers. I am just careful not to reduce waist circumference below my hip measurement.
That is my biggest fear with changing the design. I have a pretty big difference between my hip and waist. It's a great suggestion, though. I will definitely consider it!
Super summer plans! Loving all the fabrics and pattern choices. I had a floaty block print dress in university. You have just reminded me of how much I loved that dress. I don't have a dress on my summer plans but maybe 🤔. Your thoughts on the Pietra pants reflect my own so I will be especially interested to see how they work out for you. I purchased a beautiful printed cotton tablecloth on my June travels that I am excited to turn into a garment. My overlocker is giving me grief and the fabric is too thick for french seams. I may have to practice patience which is not my strongest personality trait 😂. I was listening to Deep Down Into the Blue last night, tell Phil how much I enjoyed it.
Would bias bound seams do the trick? Not that I'm trying to steer you away from practicing patience. 😉 And how nice to hear that you are enjoying Phil's music! I will let him know. I'm sure it will make him smile.
I seem to be getting that feedback from a few people. Interesting, as I usually have great success with closet core patterns' sizing for pants. I am doing a muslin, and I'm also conscious that they still need to fit over my hips, which are a fair bit bigger than my waist. We'll see. Thanks for the feedback, though!
That block print floral is gorgeous -- I can't wait to see it made up! I'm also contemplating a pair of Pietra pants in a viscose linen, so look forward to seeing those, too. Love your channel, Theresa! Happy summer, happy sewing! 🧵
Thank you, I fell in love with the block print fabric but wasn't sure what to do with it. I think I've picked the perfect project! Wishing you a great summer too, Janet!
Love your plans. Have you tried the Sew Liberated Chanterelle Pants. They are elasticated at the back but I feel they don’t give that bulk at the back. Also love the pleated design at the ankle.
I haven't, but I have made other fully elastic wasted pants. I really wanted to try something with a flat front. It might be one to try later, though. Thanks for the suggestion!
The next time you do a Clash of the Patterns, I think you should include a wild card from Pattern Maker Pro. The audience will love it because it's free!
Great tips. & in particular hearing how many bobbins full of elastic thread it took to sew. & also reaffirmed my thought about doing continuous lines rather than stopping at the end & restarting. I still need more practice but will give it a go!
Such beautiful fabrics and what a lovely little town! 🥰 I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting those specific shops but I love taking home fabrics from places I traveled to and sew them into basically wearable souvenirs.. to always remind me of that time spent there whenever wearing them ❤
Hi,first time viewer so all new to me. Really interesting thoughts from you, i think you are super organised and know very much what you like, the colours that suit you and how to put them together. I on the other hand open my wardrobe and wear the same things and don’t feel I get the best out of me, or make clothes that will enhance my existing clothes. This is something I want to work on and like the idea of making a pair of trousers and then a top and jacket to go with it and then branch out with other options. Thanks also for two new podcasts to listen too, more homework for me and plenty of food for thought. As an add on I have recently ordered the roscoe and fleur blouse. Two completely different styles for me but can visualise myself wearing them in red mix colours. They will be great additions to a new me style ❤
It's a continuous journey and has taken a long time to get here. I wish you luck on your own style journey. I hope the new patterns take you by surprise (in the best way!).
Great to see the shop and the fabrics you bought. You were very restrained, well done you. Looking forward to a post when you share your makes, no pressure 😊
I visit M&M every year if I can - although I did get carried away the first time and had to wait until I'd paid off my credit card 🙄 This year I'm treating myself to a Retreat for my big birthday and have been saving for some more fabric 😊
I completely understand why you would have gotten carried away. It's just so overwhelmingly beautiful! How amazing that you're doing one of their retreats. I would love to do that someday. Have the best time!
